ARLINGTON – Esteban Loaiza’s parents have never seen their son pitch a game in The Ballpark. And unless he comes up with the performance of a lifetime tonight, 048 . 0006.05they may be watching the last game of the 1999 season here.

Loaiza has the unenviable task of taking the mound for Game 3 of the ALDS against the Yankees with two huge challenges weighing on his shoulders.

He must somehow help the Rangers stave off elimination. And he must do so by outpitching five-time Cy Young Award-winner Roger Clemens.

“Well, I want to go out there and pitch my game,” said Loaiza. “It’s one of those things that I pitched against them as a reliever and a starter. I beat them once. I have the opportu048 . 0000.00nity to beat them again. Right now is the final decision. [Tonight] is a big game, for myself, and I’m going to go out there and perform and give it my best and go out there and win.”

Loaiza is the last Ranger pitcher to beat the Yankees this season. He worked seven innings of eight-hit ball Aug. 25 as the Rangers took a 7-3 decision.

What was most impressive about Loaiza’s performance that day is that he threw just 94 pitches, getting the usually patient Yankees to swing at his pitches. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound righty, who one 048 . 0000.00AL scout has the best arm on the Rangers, mixes a fastball, changeup and slider.

“Well, I got a game plan,” said Loaiza. “I’m just going out there and throw strikes, hitting my corners, and changing speeds.”

“I think everybody in baseball has been waiting for him to put it all together,” Texas manager Johnny Oates said earlier this season. “Hopefully the patience has paid off.” 048 . 0007.03 00000